photo by Heather Chontos, Milk Farm Road blog
In the continued quest to think about how to creatively cover my thrashed, but cozy, feather-filled couch, I came across the artist Heather Chontos‘ canvas painted throw.
That’s inspired.
Heather writes and occupies a sublime spot in Portland, Maine. I like her carefree approach to getting paint on a surface—whether it’s the table she’ll serve an artisanal meal from or a 6-foot canvas on her studio wall.
I also love her studio name Milk Farm Road. It conjures all sorts of visual sparks for me— a summer path edged with Queen Anne’s Lace and hawkweed, the warmth and scent of a milking parlor in a barn. I see white pines nearby and hear the call of phoebes. Why phoebes? No idea. I think hot cookies are in the picture since milk usually makes me think of hot cookies.
Heather and her studio are featured in the latest issue of EST—a great online magazine from Australia. She is in issue #12, and you’ll need to subscribe to see it. But it’s free! So do it.
She has a fascinating story that I hope you enjoy while imagining cookies, paths and milk houses.
All photos after the first are photographed by Robyn Lea for EST magazine.
Wonderful! I’ll check out the link…thank you!
Love the freedom to explore with paint! Inspiring! Thanks for sharing.
I like it! I loooove art! If u wanna check out my blog, go to, mustlovedogs.com
Thanks! Art. Dogs. Both are rather inspiring. Take care.
Some really gorgeous and colorful inspiration there, and it’s given me an idea about some unfinished window dressing too! Thanks.
There’s something just so exciting about artist’s studios, isn’t there? It makes me want to move to a home with a big attic room with tilted ceilings, big windows, painted wood flooring.. just so I can paint and do everything up there! I love that artist’s work.. are you getting some or going to do it yourself?
Hi Barb! I plan to visit her studio on a future trip to Maine. Could use a bit of her magic in my home, but also so inspired to cut loose with paint more than I usually do.
Very inspirational! Love what she does with the color. It’s very soothing but stimulating at the same time.
I feel the same way! I like how there’s a ‘no fear’ vibe in that studio. Something to keep aspiring to.